Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Reading
- Published
Glenn Murray (l) equalised for Reading but his side could not take anything from their game at Blackburn
Rudy Gestede scored in each half as Blackburn Rovers beat Reading to register a third successive victory.
The win puts Gary Bowyer's side just four points behind current Championship leaders Watford.
Gestede's header from Ben Marshall's cross gave Blackburn the lead but Glenn Murray's tap-in levelled for Reading.
A superb Marshall free-kick restored Rovers' advantage and Gestede knocked in a rebound after Jordan Rhodes had nodded against the post for 3-1.
Marshall leads the way for Rovers |
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Blackburn winger Ben Marshall has scored five goals this season, including three in his last four appearances for Rovers. |
Blackburn have hit form in recent weeks and are now unbeaten in five games, helped by a series of impressive performances from winger Marshall, who was involved in all three goals for the hosts.
Murray hit the crossbar early on for Reading, who remain in mid-table, and after ex-Cardiff forward Gestede powered a header past Adam Federici, Crystal Palace loanee Murray fired an angled shot wide.
A tame effort from Rhodes should have made it 2-0, and that miss proved temporarily costly as Murray converted Jordan Obita's low centre to equalise.
Marshall found the bottom corner from 30 yards to put Blackburn back in front, and the game was over as a contest when his cross resulted in the home side's third.
Reading have lost five of their last six away matches in all competitions and won one of their last eight league fixtures.
Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer on winger Ben Marshall: "You look at the goals and Marshy's contributed to all three. We're delighted with his contribution, but I keep saying it - there's more to come from him. I thought his work-rate was terrific.
"We get stronger in the second half. The fitness levels, energy and belief they've got is fantastic and it was evident again today."
Reading manager Nigel Adkins on Blackburn's second goal - from a free-kick he felt should not have been awarded: "I've watched it back on video four or five times and for me it's not a free-kick, and it's a big turning point. From there, the confidence in Blackburn grew.
"We've got to keep going and keep the belief about ourselves - the grit, passion and perseverance to keep doing what we believe is the right thing."
- Published29 October 2014
